How long should I stay in Marrakech?

How long should I stay in Marrakech?

It all depends on how much time you have, but I’d guess two full days and three nights would give you a solid overview of at least the medina.

If you have never visited Morocco or any other Middle Eastern nation, you will undoubtedly have a ton of questions and cultural ambiguities to clear up, which will prompt you to begin organizing your subsequent journey as soon as this one is through. Many people’s first exposure to this culture was in Marrakech.

Spending at least a week is great for me, but I recognize that may not be possible for you. There is a method to visit Marrakech if money is an issue without having to pay for lodging. Marrakech Desert trips

Marrakech on a budget: enjoy

Check out the volunteer options in Marrakech offered by Worldpackers if you’re not in a rush and want to experience something that will bring you much closer to Moroccan culture, like working at this lovely hostel housed in a riad (traditional house with a central courtyard).

In addition to saving money on lodging since it is covered by the exchange, being surrounded by locals will give you the opportunity to access areas of the city that are often off-limits to visitors and give you more time to explore it thoroughly.

The Gueliz neighborhood is connected to Medina by bus number 1. You should get off the bus to explore Gueliz on foot once it stops close to the Ensemble Artisanal Crafts Center, which I highly suggest, and then it passes the “Carre Eden” retail mall.

Take bus numbers 12 or 15 from the Koutoubia station if you wish to see the Majorelle Garden (walk a few mins further from the Jemaa el-Fnaa bus stop ). After that, exit the train at the Ben Tbib station and walk for approximately five minutes to come to the Majorelle Garden. You will need to inquire for the correct stop to get off since the bus stop names aren’t stated aloud.

It is best to use coins when purchasing a one-way bus ticket, which costs 4 MAD and is only available on board. The ALSA website lists the city bus routes.

MUNICIPAL BUSES

You may go around 30 kilometres outside of Marrakech city on the ALSA buses. Look for buses starting with the letter L. (L45 etc.). The majority of these buses depart from the “Sidi Mimoun” bus stop location, which is about a 10-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa. The precise location of the bus stop should be seen if you search for “Sidi Mimoun Region” on Google.

You may use bus number L45 to Lala Takerkoust Dam (read my post A paradise next to Marrakech, Lake Lalla Takerkoust). You must take a taxi the 25 kilometers to the famed Setti Fatma Falls from the Ourika valley where bus no. L25 will transport you. You may get to the Agafay desert using bus no. L 33. The maps of the ALSA public bus routes may be found here. One-way tickets cost 7 MAD each.

In conclusion, I would suggest using taxis rather than the municipal city buses when visiting Marrakech. On the other hand, if you’re feeling intrepid and have the time to explore, board one of the neighborhood buses and get a taste of life there. I’ve done it several times! Morocco Tours 8 days

Best Activities in Morocco’s Marrakech

Marrakech is known for stunning first-time tourists with its sensory overload and ecstatic mood. Of help you navigate Morocco’s most well-known tourist attraction without feeling overwhelmed, we have put together a list to the top things to do in Marrakech.

Marrakech is a city with a distinctively chaotic pace and a surprising amount of glitz and glamour.

Unlike Fez, where inhabitants value cultural authenticity highly. Marrakech often seems more like a movie set than Casablanca, a city that pleasantly surprises with a refreshingly sophisticated and cosmopolitan side of Morocco. A Disney-style reincarnation of what it once was.

Marrakech resembles Arabian Nights or an Indiana Jones film in several parts. All the way down to the snake charmers and possibily dangerous touts in the pitch-black maze of passageways that make up the souks and marketplaces. There are so many lovely things to do in Marrakech, despite the tourist trappings. Viajes a Marrakech

Regarding Marrakech

Marrakech, often known as Marrakesh, is a Berber name that means “Land of God.” After Casablanca and Rabat, it is Morocco’s third-largest city.

Location of Marrakech

With the contrasting vistas of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert nearby, Marrakech is at a prime position. It serves as the regional capital of the Marrakech-Safi mid-southwestern area.

Marrakech is located 350 miles southwest of Tangier, 360 miles southwest of Casablanca, 150 miles south of Casablanca, 200 miles southwest of Rabat, Morocco’s capital, and 200 miles south of the renowned blue city of Chefchaouen.

It is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Morocco because of its close proximity to some of the country’s top tourist attractions.

Duration of Visit to Marrakech

Despite Marrakech’s small size, there are many things to do and see there. To fully see the main Marrakech sights in the heart of the city without hurrying, we advise three to four days. Tour del Marocco

From Marrakech, Day Trips

The Atlas Mountains and the desert, two of Morocco’s top attractions, are easily reached from Marrakech. Here are some of the top day excursions from Marrakech that will show you a whole different side of Morocco.

A fair length of time in Marrakech is six to seven nights if you want to take advantage of some of the fantastic day excursions nearby. 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Mosque in Koutoubia

The biggest mosque in Marrakech, the Koutoubia Mosque, is renowned for its majestic tower. In addition to Jami’ al-Kutubiyah, it is also referred to as Kutubiyya Mosque, Kutubiyyin Mosque, and the Mosque of the Booksellers.

The distance between the mosque and the Djemaa el Fna Souk is roughly 200 meters. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims, but you may still appreciate it from the outside.

When the mosque is fully lighted up at night, it is quite picturesque. It makes sense why it’s one of the most sought-after activities in Marrakech at night.

Discover and have fun in Marrakech’s Old City.

The Medina, a convoluted labyrinth of winding alleyways inside the ancient city, is a tornado of contemporary commerce in a medieval environment. a location where odors and stenches may both seduce and frighten you at will. It’s a “Must See” in Marrakech.

The Djemaa el Fna (Central Square)

Djemaa el Fna, the large central plaza teeming with marketplaces, hotels, and cafés where visitors, residents, and sellers gather, can also be found in the Old City center.

You may find street entertainers, storytellers, snake charmers, hawkers, and a large number of vendors offering Moroccan orange juice that has just been squeezed.

Visit Jemaa el Fna Square to See the Exotic

The heart of Marrakech beats in Jemaa el-Fna. Since 1050 AD, the city’s central plaza has served as a center for commerce and pleasure. One translation of the word Jemaa el-Fna is “gathering and meeting region.”

Other interpretations, such as “assembly of the dead,” which alludes to public executions that took place on the plaza, acknowledge the square’s continued mystery and theatricality over the years.

The area is bustling every morning by mid-morning with marketplaces, traditional Moroccan cuisine sellers, a variety of unusual exhibits, and street entertainers. An nighttime carnival that sparkles when the Jemaa el Fna night market is active.

The plaza was designated a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO as a result of the nightly performance of traditional storytellers, musicians, and entertainers.

Beware of Jemaa el Fna Square’s Shadowy Side

The bitter irony is that Marrakech’s darker side has emerged as a result of the square’s historic and cultural character being preserved. Snake charmers with questionable business methods and caged or chained monkeys are typical sights.

You can get your picture shot with a genuine vulture perched on your shoulder for around 20 DH. Unsavory individuals will pressurize you to make a purchase, while pickpockets and fraudsters will prey on the masses.

Views Can Be Enjoyed From A Cafe Rooftop Terrace

Regrettably, individuals often have a love-hate connection with Marrakech because of the continual difficulty and bustle.

For this reason, many people agree that one of the finest ways to experience Jemaa el-Fna plaza is to stand on one of the numerous rooftop terrace cafés and take in the mayhem while drinking mint tea. Set yourself up at any rooftop restaurant in Marrakech to get a bird’s-eye perspective of the city’s color and mayhem.

Become lost in the souks of Marrakech

One of the “must-dos” while visiting Morocco is to visit a souk, and Marrakech’s souks do not dissapoint. It’s also among the most thrilling free activities in Marrakech.

The souks extend like tentacles from Jemaa el-Fna Plaza’s chaotic center. The commercial core of Marrakech may be found in these historic markets.

many little enterprises, donkeys, and people swarm the narrow lanes. The best spot to get a feel for Marrakech daily life is deep within the souk.

You may locate a street or an alleyway for everything, including food, clothing, shoes, handicrafts, and clothing.

The biggest traditional market in Morocco is located in Marrakech. In the maze of alleys and alleyways, tourists might become lost for hours.

For those who have never done this before, it might be scary, but it is essential to accept the fact that you will inevitably get lost. Getting lost is an inherent element of visiting the Medina. You’ll ultimately find your way out if you just unwind and explore. You can always find a place to pause and relax with a cup of mint tea.

Shopping in the souks of Marrakech

Marrakech shopping is more than simply a kind of retail therapy. If you adhere to a few simple rules, it is an enjoyable experience. Be ready to haggle if you want to purchase anything in the souks of Marrakech.

Negotiations in Marrakech

Prices often begin at a high level. Sometimes they will be really inebriated to see what they can get away with, so don’t run. Shopkeepers anticipate you to barter.

In particular, if they give you a crazy first quotation, 60% of the asking price is an excellent place to start. Even if they do attempt to scam you, keep the negotiation amicable. By doing this, you may perhaps negotiate a better price with the merchant.

If you want to buy anything expensive, find out what the going rate for that item would be at your hotel or do some research. You will then be aware of your negotiation parameters.

Check out the tannery

Even while the tannery scam is one to watch out for, it doesn’t mean you have to skip the tannery entirely. We discuss it in our advice for visiting Marrakech.

Several Moroccan cities have old-style tanneries. Many people believe that the 11th-century Fez Chouara tanneries are more interesting to see than the Marrakech facility. However, even if you aren’t going to Fez, the Marrakech tannery is worth a visit.

If you decide to travel to the tanneries on your own, use a good Marrakech city map or contact your hotel or another reliable source for instructions in advance. Aim to seem as if you know where you’re going, even if you don’t, and be suspicious of any offers of assistance from “friendly” males on the street.

If someone offers to take you on a tour of a tannery, like with everything in Morocco, make a pricing agreement in advance.

Place des Épices Souk (Spice Souk)

This open-air area in the middle of the souks used to be where grains and slaves were traded. Place des Épices is now a vibrant and enticing exhibition of basketry, plants, and of course, spices.

Those who are interested in Moroccan food will find a sanctuary at Place des Épices. Many aromatic spices, such as ras al hanout, a fragrant blend of more than a dozen carefully chosen spices, are available at traditional spice merchants.

Additionally, you may enroll in a cooking lesson, browse at upscale artisan boutiques, or grab a meal at renowned cafés like Café des Épices or chic eateries like Nomad with medina views and a contemporary spin on the classic.

enroll in a cooking class

Attend a Moroccan cooking class to learn about the culture of the cuisine and the unique cooking method. Additionally, you will discover the significance of spices in Moroccan culture as well as the spice combinations utilized in various meals. These are a few of the numerous types of culinary lessons offered in Marrakech.

4 hours for a tagine cooking class with a local. Discover how to make traditional Moroccan tagines. Purchase supplies from a souk, discover the benefits of herbs and spices, and work with a local chef to prepare a classic Moroccan feast. Details about the class are available here.

4 hour long cooking class in a historic riad. In a classic Marrakech riad, a small-group cooking class will teach you how to make a typical Moroccan home-cooked lunch. The cuisine may be duplicated in your own kitchen since it uses just fresh, simple products and seasonings. Details about culinary classes may be found here.

Moroccan cooking class from farm to table: 5 hours. In an authentic atmosphere, learn a novel approach to prepare a classic Moroccan tajine. You will visit a nearby market, choose your fresh ingredients, prepare a delicious dinner you can make at home, and learn about traditional Moroccan culture in this farm to table session. Details on the whole class and tour are available here.

Historic Sites and Museums

You may want to think about hiring a guide or going on a walking tour if you’re interested in seeing the Marrakech museums, the Ben Youssef Madrasa Islamic college, the Badi Palace and Bahia Palaces, the El-Mansoura Mosque, or the Saadian Tombs.

Many of the websites provide little information or very little in English. Context will be helped by a guide.

Tombs of Saadi

The Saadian Tombs, which had been kept secret for many years and served as the ultimate resting place for the dynasty’s leaders, were found in 1917.

Saadian Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour Eddahbi spent lavishly on both his tomb, which is adorned with vibrant tiles, Arabic calligraphy, and ornate sculptures, and the monuments he built to honor individuals who were close to him.

With imported Italian marble, gold, zellige tilework, and beautiful woodwork, he constructed opulent mausoleums. He built a beautiful resting spot. The sultan’s favorite subjects were buried closer to the complex’s center. Others were buried among the vast gardens of scented orange trees.

It is hardly surprising that one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Morocco is this tranquil area of breathtaking beauty.

Near the Koutoubia Mosque on Rue de la Kasbah, just outside of Marrakech, are the Saadian Tombs.

Saadian Tombs are open daily from 9 am to 4:45 pm.

Entrance Fee: 10DH

Madrassa Ben Youssef

Education takes place at a madrasa. Formerly the biggest and one of the most magnificent in North Africa, the Ben Youssef Madrasa is a magnificently preserved example of an Islamic theological institution from the fourteenth century.

The school, a magnificent example of Moroccan architecture, is connected to the close-by Ali ben Youssef Mosque. Over 900 students used to reside at the institution, all of whom shared 130 cramped rooms placed around the main courtyard.

Despite improvements and restorations, the madrasa eventually lost students to its competitor institution, Medersa Bou Inania in Fez.

Despite this, the ancient seminary still manages to wow, from the expansive courtyard to the lavishly painted prayer rooms. The Madrasa is still one of the most significant tourist destinations in Marrakech today.

Ben Youssef Madrasa’s hours are:

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the summer

Winter: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost of entry: 20DH

Palace El Badi

El Badi Palace is roughly translated as “Incomparable Palace.” The palace was unquestionably the most spectacular building in the city when it was built by the Saadian Sultan Ahmad el Mansour around the end of the 16th century.

The palace is now nothing more than a spectacular wreck after being robbed of all its worth and beauty by the sultan’s successor, yet it continues to be one of the most well-known landmarks in Marrakech.

Even though the El Badi Palace is just a shadow of its former splendor, the sheer size of the ancient palace is still amazing.

Give yourself at least an hour or two to fully appreciate the grounds’ immensity. Additionally, you will enjoy some beautiful views of Marrakech.

A 15-minute walk from the Koutoubia mosque or a 5- to 10-minute walk from the Saadian Tombs will get you to this location south of the Marrakesh medina.

Palace El Badi Daily opening hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entry: 10 DH pp | An extra 10 DH pp is required to visit the museum that holds the pulpit from the Koutoubia Mosque.

The Palace of Bahia

The Palace of Bahia was built under the direction of the Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed ben Moussa in the late 19th century, and it was designed to be the most magnificent palace ever. And here is where “brilliance, palace of the lovely, the bright” is translated.

The construction of the palace took more than 10 years and included two design phases. The edifice, which finally had 150 apartments with views of several patios and gardens and a harem for Abu Bou Ahmed’s four wives and 24 concubines, was constructed using craftsmen from all throughout the nation.

The palace, which spans eight hectares, is a magnificent example of Moroccan design. One of Morocco’s top tourist destinations and a symbol of the nation’s cultural heritage.

When the vizier passed away, his wife and the sultan took all of the artwork and furniture, leaving the palace vacant. The Bahia Palace is still a breathtaking sight even when it is empty.

Bahia Palace is open from nine to five every day ( times may vary on a Friday)

10 DH for entry